Parliament Palace

Hello dear readers! As I promised I will present you today a very important momnument for Romania! Therefore talk about Parliament Palace, or as it is also called as House of People.

Parliament Palace in Bucharest, Romania, measuring 270m by 240m, 86m high and 92m below ground. It has 12 levels and another 8 ground surface. According to the World Records Academy, Parliament House is the largest civilian administrative building for use as a surface in the world, most expensive administrative building in the world and the heaviest building in the world, going three times in Guinness World Records. Parliament House building is situated in the central part of the city (sector 5), the place that today is called Arsenal Hill, surrounded by Spring Street to the west and northwest, UN Avenue north of Liberty Avenue to the east and Route 13 September in the south. It is 10 minutes away from Unirii Square and 20 minutes from North Station (bus 123).

Hill where today is the Palace of Parliament is generally a creation of nature, with an initial height of 18 m, but Liberty Avenue side is raised artificially.

After the earthquake of March 4, 1977, Nicolae Ceausescu sought a site to develop a very large investment. He took the idea of ​​King Charles II in 1935, whose project was provided in the Chamber of Deputies on Arsenal Hill building. This project was designed by the greatest architects of the time. In 1938 he announced the start of demolition in order to open this pin. World War II came and things remained only on paper until 1983, when he started building the Parliament House, the official ceremony took place fundamental stone of the settlement on June 25, 1984.

The building has a usable area of ​​330,000 m², joined in "Guinness World Records" under "Administrative Buildings" at # 2 in the world after the Pentagon, and in terms of volume of 2,550,000 m³ of his people, 3rd in the world after the missile assembly building space from Cape Canaveral in Florida and Quetzalcoatl Pyramid in Mexico. For comparison it may be mentioned that the building exceeds 2% volume of Cheops pyramid in Egypt, and therefore some sources characterizes as one "Pharaoh".

Began during the Communist regime (calling themselves "Golden Age" of Romania and violently removed by the Revolution of 1989), the so-called Project Bucharest was an ambitious project of Ceausescu began in 1978 as a replica of the city Pyongyang, capital of North Korea. A project of systematization existed since the 30s (the time of Charles II) for the Union - Arsenal Hill.

After the earthquake of 1977 Nicolae Ceausescu ordered the "reconstruction" of Bucharest as a new town by itself. In the years 1978-79 there was a national competition for rebuilding city. The contest lasted nearly four years and was won by Anca Petrescu, a young architect only 28 years old, who was named chief architect of this project exceptionally controversial.

The yard itself began in 1980 with the demolition of over 7 km ² in the old city center and the relocation of over 40,000 people in this area. Of missing buildings include Vacaresti Monastery, Brancovenesc Hospital, National Archives, Republic Stadium, etc.. The works were made with forced labor conscripts, and the cost was minimized.

This project of reconstruction of the city, contained a number of buildings such as Parliament House - House Republic, Ministry of Defence, Radio House, Marriott Hotel - Guest House, House of the Romanian Academy, Spring Park and Union Boulevard - Victory of Socialism.

In 1989 the building costs were estimated at U.S. $ 1.75 billion, and in 2006 to 3 billion.

There are three vertical registers, which correspond also the distinct functional areas.

The building has about 1,000 rooms, 440 offices, over 30 halls and rooms, four restaurants, three libraries, two underground parking, a concert hall.

Name halls and salons of Palace of Parliament were elected after 1989, evoking events in the history of the Romanian people and personalities known worldwide.

Most are related to Roman aspiration for unification and the history of parliamentarianism in Romania.

I propose you to continue in the next 2-3 Wednesday with the presentation of the most important rooms of this magnificent monument.

God bless you!

Mogosoaia Palace

Hello dear readers! Even if it's cold and cloudy outside (in Bucharest, Romania),it does not means we can not still enjoy a short reading, but even the contrary. Today I will present you in few lines Mogosoaia Palace, following a suggestion received from a close person.

Mogosoaia Palace is a historical building in town Mogosoaia, Ilfov County, Romania, located about 15 km from the city center. The complex contains the actual building, its courtyard with the watchtower, cuhnia (kitchen), guest house, glaciers and Bibescu family tomb and the church "St. George" located near the courtyard walls. Palace widow named Mogos squire who owned the land on which it was built.

Mogosoaia Palace Brancoveanu was in possession of the family for about 120 years, then going Bibescu family owned.

And to solve a little problem of the history of this palace, it was built in 1702 by Romanian Constantin Brancoveanu Renaissance architectural style (or style Brancoveanu), a combination of Venetian elements with elements Ottoman style previously used and at another palace built by the ruler to Potlogi.

After 1714, when Constantin Brancoveanu was executed in Constantinople with his entire family, all family property was confiscated by the Ottomans and the palace was turned into an inn. Stephan redeemed Cantacuzino He then returned money Constantin Brancoveanu great grandson Prince, and remained in possession of the family until the early nineteenth century.

The palace was devastated by the Ottomans in the Russo-Turkish war of 1768-1774, because big money Brancoveanu Nicholas had held the Russians in conflict. A new palace destruction took place during the revolution of 1821 when the last descendant of Brancoveanu, Gregory Brancoveanu ran in Brasov and the building was occupied by dolphins. After Gregory's death in 1832, the palace remained legacy his adoptive daughter, Zoe Mavrocordat and, through her marriage to Prince George Bibesco passed his family and was renovated between 1860-1880 by Nicholas Bibescu, who built the family tomb palace park and nearby villa Elchingen. The palace was still family run Bibescu which, however, moved to the new villa and the old building remained uninhabited. It until 1911, when Mary-Nicole Darvari palace has sold her cousin George-Valentin Bibescu, who gave as wedding gift to his wife, Martha.

Bibescu Martha was busy renovating the palace since 1912. During World War I, renovation work were other damages suffered brake from German bombing. During the German occupation of the city and southern Romania, Princess Martha Bibescu remained in the capital, dealing the Queen Mary Hospital and lived for a while in the palace.

Returned home after starting in London, accused of collaborating with the Germans, Martha Bibescu renovation work resumed after 1920, spending much of his wealth gathered from books he wrote. The palace was reinaugurat so, in 1927, some interior work continued, however, until 1935.

During the Second World War, the palace was allied diplomats meeting place of being, for a few months rent Swiss legation in Romania. After March 6, 1945, the estate was nationalized by the communist government forced Martha Bibescu obtaining from the authorities declared a historical monument of the palace, which I still owned. Princess left the country permanently but in September 1945, leaving the palace his daughter Valentina and her husband, Demetrius Ghika-Comanesti.

In 1949, the palace was also nationalized, Valentina and Dimitrie Ghika-Comanesti being arrested. Until 1957, the building was destroyed and robbed, art collections being stolen and dismantled. Only in 1957 the palace became the seat of feudal division of the National Art Museum, the restored since 1977.

Currently holds Mogosoaia Palace Art Museum Brancoveneasca and is a major tourist attraction.

The main building of the complex is Mogosoaia Palace built by Constantin Brancoveanu, with princely family apartments on the first floor, which leads directly outside the yard on a scale that gives a front balcony located. The ground floor contains the palace servants' rooms and the basement is a basement with a ceiling of four domes. Facade of the lake is also a particular one inspired a Venetian loggia with three arches.

Cuhnia (kitchen Brancoveanu) is in the palace courtyard, with four ventilation towers. Tower guards the entrance gate to the yard. In it can climb a ladder outside. Both gate tower, and was restored by Martha cuhnia Bibescu between 1922 and 1930.

George Chapel Bibescu houses built after 1880 Bibescu family tombs, including Prince Michael and George Basarab-Brancoveanu, airmen killed during the Second World War.

Mogosoaia greenhouses were built after 1890 by French architects and are still used for growing flowers as art education workshop for children.

Glacier in summer served to store ice brought from Lake Mogosoaia nearby.

The church "St. George" is outside the palace walls, near the gate tower. Founded by Constantin Brancoveanu and finished in 1688, shortly before its founder to become ruler, it houses the tomb of George-Valentin Bibescu and votive painting what is Constantin Brancoveanu and four sons.

I stretched a little bit in this article, but I think it was worth it. Do you agree?

God bless you!

Bridge of Lies in Sibiu

Hello! Today, at the suggestion of a friend of mine I will present you a momunent somehow different, but very interesting!

Bridge of Lies is a metal bridge in Sibiu, built in 1859 over Ocnei street that connects Lower Town and the Upper Town. It is a pedestrian bridge that connects the Piata Mica and Piata Huet. It is the oldest iron bridge in service in present-day Romania.

Metal bridge (Bridge of Lies) of Sibiu was listed as historic monuments in Sibiu in 2004, with classification code SB-II-mA-12107.

In the eighteenth century, Sibiu walls in the northern part of small markets underwent an opening, extending Ocnei street within the city, and facilitating access to the city from the bottom up city. By the middle of the nineteenth century, access to the citadel was through a curved tunnel that passed under a row of houses that share Small Square into two parts.

The place where the tunnel was passed called "benches Lies", this name is given by Dürr Damasus in the sixteenth century. As Emil Sigerus wrote in "Chronik der Stadt Hermannstadt" a document from November 24, 1771 it says that "passing under the Bridge of Lies is illuminated at night by three torches and guarded by three sentinels". On both sides of the tunnel entrance, there were two houses on the 1837 guard, guarded by soldiers.

Due to the fact that the area had become dirty, rubbish being suffocated by producing pestilential odor, city magistrate decided to demolish the row of houses, stretching almost to the Council Tower. The houses are in the tunnel were demolished in 1851 and the tunnel was broken, in place by designing is a passage. At first, across the street Ocnei was built a wooden pedestrian bridge linking Piata Mica and Piata Huet.

In 1859, Friedrich-Hütte (in translation or foundry furnaces Friedrich) of Laubach have cast iron bridge. It was mounted in Sibiu next year, is officially opened on 17 December 1860. Chronologically speaking, this bridge (actually a pedestrian walkway) is the third largest iron bridge built on the territory of today's Romania, the first being built in 1841 over the river Timis, the entry in Caransebes, while the second bridge Lugoj was built in 1833 and two years later collapsed under the weight of a buffalo herd.

This bridge was used initially, according to locals, for circulation carts. Locals with bridge named "bridge lies". City authorities have set up a promenade on the bridge top and one on the bridge, both of which are lit by lanterns.

Top promenade lanterns have changed shape over time. At first, the supports for the ends of rails was one single light that the Hungarian authorities changed their lanterns without glass walls and royalty insignia (a crown above a roof). After the Union of Transylvania with Romania, were maintained previously existing street lights, cutting the crown just above. Subsequently change the font supports were placed by two lanterns.

In October 2006, the German company Alfred Kärcher GmbH & co. KG, a specialist in restoration projects, cleaned and restored Bridge of Lies. Restoration specialists have paid particular attention to keeping the iron shoe, which was cleaned with dry ice and protected by a hardened layer of dry ice. The work was carried free, being considered a "cultural sponsorship 'to Sibiu, European Capital of Culture city in 2007. The bridge was officially opened by Mayor Klaus Johannis.

Small Square pedestrian bridge linking Huet Square is the popular name "Bridge of Lies" or "bridge liars". Since the bridge was built on stilts, he was called in German Liegenbrücke, which in translation means "the bridge down". This name is almost homophonous with Lügenbrücke, which is why some locals began to call him "the bridge lies" and it appeared that legends and justify the name.

Thereof name four legends circulate namely:

The most popular legend is that the bridge has ears and unimaginable power so that every lie heard, he begins to moan in all joints and collapses, bringing down to earth liar.

According to another legend, in Sibiu Piata Mica many fairs were held and, after reaching home, he realized that some buyers have been duped. They are back in the market and took the false merchants chest and roars of laughter in the crowd, he jumped from the bridge. Thus, when merchants arrived in Sibiu again feared the locals themselves to him again.

A legend says that on this bridge used to walk couples in love. Young people there swore their everlasting love and the girls say they are virgins. But after the wedding night, they discovered that some girls were lying. They were dragged off the bridge, being thrown over the railing.

In Sibiu lived many cadets studying at the Military Academy. They used to gather on the bridge with young ladies locals, promising them a lot and then were left to wait in vain men watching them and vows of love.

Liar's Bridge in Sibiu is made of cast iron and has two metal railings made of 8 panels decorated with circles radial goticizant.

The bridge features a single opening for 10.40 m, consists of four arched metal beams, turnkey assembly by bolting and decorated with rosettes and with one belt of elements inscribed in circles. [7] arcs have constant section (about 50x10 cm) with vegetable ornaments or geometric neo-Gothic bill. Arched steel beams from the south have a maximum diameter circles decorated with the coat of arms of Sibiu and the north gate inscriptions "1859" and "Friedrich Hütte".

On both sides of the bridge to the south and north on the edges of the stone pedestrian passage under the bridge there are four cast iron lighting.

This is it for today! God bless you!

Constanta Casino

Hello! Today I will present you a beautiful and special monument of the Romanian seaside.

Constanta Casino is a historic building in the city of Constanta. It is one of the most representative symbols of the city, built in 1909 and opened in August of 1910. Constanta is on the seafront, Queen Elizabeth Avenue.

Casino was one of the buildings emblem of Constanta. The area which is today had been, between 1880-1902, a wooden building, a Cazin, as it was called - place for theater, balls, place of recreation for tourists. Construction of a building with features like large European casinos began by 1904. Initially, plans were drawn up by architect Petre Antonescu, who designs a building whose architectural style is inspired by the traditions of Romanian art. After foundation, but plans are changed, Hall entrusting their changing an architect of French origin (or Swiss), Daniel Renard - who quit the principles of Romanian style in favor of a mixture of motifs that load and more greoiul whole. Built (in 1908) under the influence of Art Nouveau casino cosmopolitan era, Constanta building is finished in 1910 and inaugurated when (in 1912 are final touches).

The casino was a paianta room with interior walls lined with boards painted in oil and "served to visitors in season fun bath", can be used for "charity balls organized by the mayor" is comprised of a ballroom, two reading rooms for newspapers and magazines, two game rooms and the famous "beach terrace", adorned with flags and quite spacious became the meeting place of all. Near the first dance hall building is expected to Henry Guaracino cumunicatie a flag in the first, located below the boulevard.

In the winter of 1891, unleashed a storm destroyed part of the roof, and the wall of the façade, highlighting the instability of the building. Surveys have proposed, and the village council approved the demolition of buildings 29 January 1892. Mayor Al. Belik decide, in a minute, oragnizarea site in its own regime for reconstruction casino in April 1892.

Designed monumental without light and no light panoramina, it was supposed to AIB building a theater room with stage, cabins and lodges on both sides, and a ballroom of the same size. Surrounded by a gallery open to magnificent views, underground construction had all the necessary unity. Project grandeur gradually diminishes, so reception made much later than would have been willing to allow Coiciu mayor, find existence of a dance hall aisle.

In his struggle with historicism, Art 1900 make the transition to functionalism by recourse to ornament. In fact, trying travestirea an economic necessity in a unique experience based on artisanal uniqueness.

On 21 December 1909, engineer and architects Elie Radu Ion Mincu and D. Maimarolu are required to go to Constanta, a commission designed to study casino in every respect. Inspection result has materialized in an important document which contains documented and well-supported opinions of some real famous personalities. Observations on adding spaces: a large hall for restaurant, kitchen and dependencies required restaurant will be put in touch with terrace behind the glass door that does not obstruct the wide open view of the sea. They suggested scale release of Honour by spectacular arch, adding entries, changing rooms, toilets, and suppression of stairs or windows.

Restoration and modernization of the Casino were made in 1937 by designer Daniel Renard. Casino was restored and in 1986 by a group of artists composed of Sorin Dumitru, Gheorge Firca, John Miturca, Nae Mira, Nicolae Moldoveanu. Were performed Baroque fresco paintings, stucco, stained glass. The works lasted a year.

God bless you and i’m waiting for suggestions about new articles you want to read.

Neamt Fortress

Hello and welcome back on this blog where today being Wednesday, we will discover together facts about a monument of its history quite important special thanks: Neamt Fortress!

Neamt Fortress is a medieval fortress in Moldova, located on the outskirts of the northwestern city of Targu Neamt (north-eastern Romania). It is located on the summit of the rock Timu Ples (also called Castle Hill), at an altitude of 480 m and a height of 80 m above water level German. Hence, Moldova and Siret valley guarded, as the road went over the mountain in Transylvania.

Neamt Fortress was part of the fortification system constructed in Moldova in the late fourteenth century, when the Ottoman threat occurrence. System fortifications included fortified settlement (princely court, monasteries with high walls and fortresses of strategic importance) for defense, fortified with stone walls, ground waves or with deep ruts.

The fortress was built in the late fourteenth century by Peter I Musat, was fortified in the fifteenth century by Stephen the Great and destroyed in the eighteenth century (1718) by order of Prince Michael Racovita.

Neamt Fortress was included on the list of historical monuments in Neamt County in 2004, with classification code NT-II-mA-10707.

Over time it has been rumored several hypotheses on the origin of the city. One of them mentions how the city of Piatra Neamt was built during the Teutonic Knights stay in the country Barsa, between 1211 - 1225 by them. And according to another hypothesis, the fortress was built by the Genoese.

However, there can be only one correct version, and this is the only one certified by research. Neamt Fortress was built during the reign of Petru I Musat (1375-1391), being mentioned for the first time on 2 February 1395, during the expedition of King Sigismund of Luxembourg of Hungary in Moldova, when he was stopped in his advance towards east by Stephan I of Moldavia.

Stephen the Great (1457-1504) realized the need to build better buildings fortified to defend the Principality of Moldavia from attacks by Turks, Tartars, Hungarians or Poles. He built the first fortified monasteries of Moldova and strengthened existing cities. Considering that not enough Neamt Fortress strengthened to withstand enemy attacks Moldova, the respite of the Battle of High Bridge (January 1475) and the Battle of White Valley (26 July 1476) he commanded heightening the city walls about 7.6 m and building battlements and narrow windows through which the defenders of the fortress could monitor and hit enemies. On the northern side of the fort was built muaatin a wall flanked by four semicircular bastions with thick walls and strong, with varying heights of up to 30 meters. The outer courtyard framed wall.

To avoid enemies near the fortress walls, Stefan cel Mare had a moat digging much deeper and wider than the previous one, in the north and northeast of the fort. The fortress is provided by an arched bridge with a fixed access and other furniture, supported by 11 stone pillars prismatic form. The furniture is on the bridge portion of the last pillar and bastion wall and could rise in case of danger, through a system of pulleys, but once she went there two traps with traps, known as the "rat race ".

In the sixteenth century there was a series of events in which was involved Neamt Fortress. First, during the reign of Petru Rares (1527-1538, 1541-1546), was reinforced as a result of the necessity imposed by partial destruction caused during the reign of Stefan the Great. Then the city has suffered under the rule of Lapusneanu (1552-1561, 1564-1568) and was again repaired in the reign of Peter Schiopul (1574-1577).

Cycles of destruction and rebuilding part of the city continue in the next century, culminating but by being destroyed during Michael Racovita (1703-1705, 1707-1709, 1715-1729).

In 2007-2009, Neamt Fortress was rehabilitated with EU funds 2004-2006 Phare Economic and Social Cohesion, which were added funding from Neamt County Council, in partnership with the City Council Targu Neamt.

More will not tell you not to bother with too much information, but I'm sure you have found pleasure in reading these few lines about this beautiful city representative.

God bless you!